First day of 2026 Waties Island Marine Sea Turtle Patrol

Each spring we eagerly seek out harbingers that the warm summer season is on the horizon. For some it’s the crack of the bat on opening day, the first tentative foray into the surf, or the first tomato plant lovingly placed in the garden. For the 48 volunteers of the Waties Island Marine Sea Turtle Patrol, it’s the first official day of nesting season in South Carolina and the return to our beautiful island. 

This year, the Friday team had the honor of the first patrol of the season. To the surprise of no one, there was no evidence of nesting activity noted today. With water temperatures at around 69 degrees and the sands still warming up, it may be several days or even a few weeks before our mammas make their way onshore to nest. But we know they are out there heading toward their natal beaches - some for the first time in 25-30 years since they emerged themselves as tiny hatchlings from these same shores. 

While it felt a little more like March than May 1 out there today, with the cool temps, ever present off shore winds and mostly cloudy skies, it’s only a matter of time when we will be seeing evidence of these ancient travelers’ arrival written in the sand. Here’s to an active and busy 2026 nesting season!

So, as my friend and fellow LOA Sharon has noted, I am able to take 400+ words to say “I have nothing to report.” But I do have some pics of our island from Day 1 to share. 

Crossing the bridge from the mainland to the island. Our first “awwww” moment of the season.

The Inlet tidal influences at the lower end of the Island have made significant changes to the landscape.

                                                 A peak of sun from the mostly cloudy skies.

                                                            But, clouds mostly prevail.

                                                         Happy volunteers!

Photos by Kim P and Carolyn. Text by Kim T.

All sea turtle monitoring by the Waties Island Sea Turtle Patrol is permitted and authorized by SCDNR Marine Turtle Conservation Program under Permit MTP500.